Medication reference
Sapropterin
ORAL
Sapropterin. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in adult and pediat

Brand names
Sapropterin DihydrochlorideJAVYGTORSAPROPTERIN DIHYDROCHLORIDESapropterin dihydrochlorideZELVYSIAsapropterin dihydrochlorideKuvan
Active ingredients
SAPROPTERIN DIHYDROCHLORIDE
Indications
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin- (BH4-) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU). Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is to be used in conjunction with a Phe- restricted diet. Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is a phenylalanine hydroxylase activator indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin- (BH4-) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU). Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is to be used in conjunction with a Phe-restricted diet. ( 1 )
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION All patients with PKU who are being treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should also be treated with a Phe-restricted diet, including dietary protein and Phe restriction. ( 2.1 ) Starting Dosage Pediatric patients 1 month to 6 years : The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is 10 mg/kg taken once daily. ( 2.1 ) Patients 7 years and older : The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is 10 to 20 mg/kg taken once daily. ( 2.1 ) Dosage Adjustment Doses of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution may be adjusted in the range of 5 to 20 mg/kg taken once daily. ( 2.1 ) Monitor blood Phe regularly, especially in pediatric patients. ( 2.1 , 5.3 ) Preparation and Administration Take with a meal. ( 2.2 ) Swallow oral solution after mixing powder in a small amount of soft foods or dissolving in recommended liquids. See full prescribing information for complete information on mixing with food or liquid. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Dosage Treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of PKU. All patients with PKU who are being treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should also be treated with a Phe-restricted diet, including dietary protein and Phe restriction. Starting Dosage Pediatric Patients 1 month to 6 years : The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is 10 mg/kg taken once daily. Patients 7 years and older : The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is 10 to 20 mg/kg taken once daily. Dosage Adjustment (Evaluation Period) Existing dietary protein and Phe intake should not be modified during the evaluation period. If a 10 mg/kg per day starting dose is used, then response to therapy is determined by change in blood Phe following treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution at 10 mg/kg per day for a period of up to 1 month. Blood Phe levels should be checked after 1 week of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution treatment and periodically for up to a month. If blood Phe does not decrease from baseline at 10 mg/kg per day, the dose may be increased to 20 mg/kg per day. Patients whose blood Phe does not decrease after 1 month of treatment at 20 mg/kg per day do not show a biochemical response and treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be discontinued in these patients. If a 20 mg/kg per day starting dose is used, then response to therapy is determined by change in blood Phe following treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution at 20 mg/kg per day for a period of 1 month. Blood Phe levels should be checked after 1 week of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution treatment and periodically during the first month. Treatment should be discontinued in patients who do not show a biochemical response (blood Phe does not decrease) after 1 month of treatment at 20 mg/kg per day [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Once responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution has been established, the dosage may be adjusted within the range of 5 to 20 mg/kg per day according to biochemical response to therapy (blood Phe). Periodic blood Phe monitoring is recommended to assess blood Phe control, especially in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions Take sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution orally with a meal, preferably at the same time each day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible, but two doses should not be taken on the same day. Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution Patients weighing greater than 10 kg Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be dissolved in 120 to 240 mL of water or apple juice and taken orally within 30 minutes of dissolution. Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution may also be stirred in a small amount of soft foods such as apple sauce or pudding. Empty the contents of the packet(s) in water, apple juice, or a small amount of soft foods and mix thoroughly. The powder should dissolve completely. Patients weighing 10 kg or less (use 100 mg packets) For infants weighing 10 kg or less, sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution can be dissolved in as little as 5 mL of water or apple juice and a portion of this solution corresponding to a 10 mg/kg dose may be administered orally via an oral dosing syringe. Table 1 provides dosing information for infants at the recommended starting dose of 10 mg/kg per day. Refer to Table 2 for dosing information at 20 mg/kg per day if dosage adjustment is needed. T able 1: 10 mg/kg per day Dosing Table for Infants Weighing 10 kg or less Patient Weight (kg) Starting Dose: 10 mg/kg per day* Dose (mg) Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution 100 mg Packets Dissolved † Dilution Volume (mL) ‡ Administered Dose volume (mL) § 1 10 1 10 1 2 20 1 10 2 3 30 1 10 3 4 40 1 10 4 5 50 1 10 5 6 60 1 5 3 7 70 1 5 3.5 8 80 1 5 4 9 90 1 5 4.5 10 100 1 5 5 * Starting dose for infants is 10 mg/kg per day. Dosing information for 20 mg/kg per day is provided in Table 2. † Powder for oral solution provided in single use packets containing 100 mg sapropterin dihydrochloride per packet ‡ Volume of water or apple juice to dissolve Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution. § Discard remainder of mixture after volume to be administered is drawn. Table 2: 20 mg/kg per day Dosing Table for Infants Weighing 10 kg or less Patient Weight (kg) 20 mg/kg per day Dose (mg) Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution 100 mg Packets* Dissolved Dilution Volume (mL) † Administered Dose volume (mL) § 1 20 1 5 1 2 40 1 5 2 3 60 1 5 3 4 80 1 5 4 5 100 1 5 5 6 120 2 5 3 7 140 2 5 3.5 8 160 2 5 4 9 180 2 5 4.5 10 200 2 5 5 * Powder for oral solution provided in single use packets containing 100 mg sapropterin dihydrochloride per packet † Volume of water or apple juice to dissolve Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution. § Discard remainder of mixture after volume to be administered is drawn. 2.1 Dosage Treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of PKU. All patients with PKU who are being treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should also be treated with a Phe-restricted diet, including dietary protein and Phe restriction. Starting Dosage Pediatric Patients 1 month to 6 years : The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is 10 mg/kg taken once daily. Patients 7 years and older : The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is 10 to 20 mg/kg taken once daily. Dosage Adjustment (Evaluation Period) Existing dietary protein and Phe intake should not be modified during the evaluation period. If a 10 mg/kg per day starting dose is used, then response to therapy is determined by change in blood Phe following treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution at 10 mg/kg per day for a period of up to 1 month. Blood Phe levels should be checked after 1 week of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution treatment and periodically for up to a month. If blood Phe does not decrease from baseline at 10 mg/kg per day, the dose may be increased to 20 mg/kg per day. Patients whose blood Phe does not decrease after 1 month of treatment at 20 mg/kg per day do not show a biochemical response and treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be discontinued in these patients. If a 20 mg/kg per day starting dose is used, then response to thera
Warnings
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis : Sapropterin dihydrochloride is not recommended in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to sapropterin dihydrochloride; discontinue treatment in patients who experience anaphylaxis and initate appropriate medical treatment. Continue dietary Phe restrictions. ( 5.1 ) Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Inflammation : Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of these conditions including esophagitis and gastritis. ( 5.2 ) Hypophenylalaninemia : Pediatric patients younger than 7 years treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride doses of 20 mg/kg per day are at increased risk for low levels of blood Phe compared with patients 7 years and older. ( 5.3 ) Monitoring Blood Phe Levels During Treatment: Ensure adequate blood Phe control and nutritional balance during treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. Frequent blood monitoring is recommended, especially in pediatric patients. ( 5.4 , 2.1 ) Lack of Biochemical Response to Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Treatment : Response to sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment cannot be pre-determined by laboratory (e.g., molecular) testing and can only be determined by a therapeutic trial of sapropterin dihydrochloride. ( 5.5 , 2.1 ) Interaction with Levodopa : Seizures, over-stimulation or irritability may occur; monitor patients for a change in neurologic status. ( 5.6 , 7 ) Hyperactivity : Monitor patients for hyperactivity. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis Sapropterin dihydrochloride is not recommended in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to sapropterin dihydrochloride. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and rash, have occurred [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Signs of anaphylaxis include wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, hypotension, flushing, nausea, and rash. Discontinue treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride in patients who experience anaphylaxis and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Continue dietary protein and Phe restriction in patients who experience anaphylaxis. 5.2 Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Inflammation Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reactions suggestive of upper GI mucosal inflammation have been reported with sapropterin dihydrochloride. Serious adverse reactions included esophagitis and gastritis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . If left untreated, these could lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and bleeding and such complications have been reported in patients receiving sapropterin dihydrochloride. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of upper GI mucosal inflammation. 5.3 Hypophenylalaninemia In clinical trials of sapropterin dihydrochloride, some PKU patients experienced hypophenylalaninemia (low blood Phe) during treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. In a clinical study of pediatric patients younger than 7 years old treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride 20 mg/kg per day, the incidence of hypophenylalaninemia was higher than in clinical trials of older patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.4 Monitoring Blood Phe Levels During Treatment Prolonged elevations of blood Phe levels in patients with PKU can result in severe neurologic damage, including severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, delayed speech, seizures, and behavioral abnormalities. Conversely, prolonged levels of blood Phe that are too low have been associated with catabolism and endogenous protein breakdown, which has been associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Active management of dietary Phe intake while taking sapropterin dihydrochloride is required to ensure adequate Phe control and nutritional balance. Monitor blood Phe levels during treatment to ensure adequate blood Phe level control. Frequent blood monitoring is recommended in the pediatric population [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.5 Lack of Biochemical Response to Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Some patients with PKU do not show biochemical response (reduction in blood Phe) with treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. In two clinical trials at a sapropterin dihydrochloride dose of 20 mg/kg per day, 56% to 75% of pediatric PKU patients showed a biochemical response to sapropterin dihydrochloride, and in one clinical trial at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day, 20% of adult and pediatric PKU patients showed a biochemical response to sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Biochemical response to sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment cannot generally be pre-determined by laboratory testing (e.g., molecular testing), and should be determined through a therapeutic trial (evaluation) of sapropterin dihydrochloride response [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.6 Interaction with Levodopa In a 10-year post-marketing safety surveillance program for a non-PKU indication using another sapropterin product, 3 patients with underlying neurological disorders experienced seizures, exacerbation of seizures, over-stimulation, and irritability during co-administration of levodopa and sapropterin. Monitor patients who are receiving levodopa for changes in neurological status during treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . 5.7 Hyperactivity In the sapropterin dihydrochloride post-marketing safety surveillance program, 2 patients with PKU experienced hyperactivity when treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Monitor patients for hyperactivity. 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis Sapropterin dihydrochloride is not recommended in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to sapropterin dihydrochloride. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and rash, have occurred [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Signs of anaphylaxis include wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, hypotension, flushing, nausea, and rash. Discontinue treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride in patients who experience anaphylaxis and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Continue dietary protein and Phe restriction in patients who experience anaphylaxis. 5.2 Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Inflammation Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reactions suggestive of upper GI mucosal inflammation have been reported with sapropterin dihydrochloride. Serious adverse reactions included esophagitis and gastritis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . If left untreated, these could lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and bleeding and such complications have been reported in patients receiving sapropterin dihydrochloride. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of upper GI mucosal inflammation. 5.3 Hypophenylalaninemia In clinical trials of sapropterin dihydrochloride, some PKU patients experienced hypophenylalaninemia (low blood Phe) during treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. In a clinical study of pediatric patients younger than 7 years old treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride 20 mg/kg per day, the incidence of hypophenylalaninemia was higher than in clinical trials of older patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.4 Monitoring Blood Phe Levels During Treatment Prolonged elevations of blood Phe levels in patients with PKU can result in severe neurologic damage, including severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, delayed speech, seizures, and behavioral abnormalities. Conversely, prolonged levels of blood Phe that are too low have been associated with catabolism and endogenous protein breakdown, which has been associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Active management of dietary Phe intake while taking sapropterin dihydrochloride is required to ensure adequate Phe control and nutritional balance. Monitor blood Phe levels during treatment to ensure adequate blood Phe level control. Frequent blood monitoring is recommended in the pediatric population [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.5 Lack of Biochemical Response to Sap
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Drug interactions
DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 4 includes drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered with sapropterin dihydrochloride and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 4: Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions Levodopa Clinical Impact Sapropterin dihydrochloride may increase the availability of tyrosine, a precursor of levodopa. Neurologic events were reported postmarketing in patients receiving sapropterin and levodopa concomitantly for a non-PKU indication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Intervention Monitor patients for a change in neurologic status. Inhibitors of Folate Synthesis (e.g., methotrexate, valproic acid, phenobarbital, trimethoprim) Clinical Impact In vitro and in vivo nonclinical data suggest that drugs that inhibit folate synthesis may decrease the bioavailability of endogenous BH4 by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is involved in the recycling (regeneration) of BH4. This reduction in net BH4 levels may increase Phe levels. Intervention Consider monitoring blood Phe levels more frequently during concomitant administration. An increased dosage of sapropterin dihydrochloride tablets may be necessary to achieve a biochemical response. Drugs Affecting Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasorelaxation (e.g., PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil) Clinical Impact Both sapropterin dihydrochloride and PDE-5 inhibitors may induce vasorelaxation. A reduction in blood pressure could occur; however, the combined use of these medications has not been evaluated in humans. Intervention Monitor blood pressure. • Inhibitors of Folate Synthesis (e.g., methotrexate, valproic acid, phenobarbital, trimethoprim): Can decrease endogenous BH4 levels; monitor blood Phe levels more frequently and adjust sapropterin dihydrochloride tablets dosage as needed. ( 7 ) • Drugs Affecting Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasorelaxation (e.g., PDE-5 inhibitors): Potential for vasorelaxation; monitor blood pressure. ( 7 )
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥4%) are: headache, rhinorrhea, pharyngolaryngeal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, and nasal congestion. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Health at 1-800-828-9393, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. PKU Clinical Studies The safety of sapropterin dihydrochloride was evaluated in 7 clinical studies in patients with PKU (aged 1 month to 50 years) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . In Studies 1 to 4 (controlled and uncontrolled studies), 579 patients with PKU aged 4 to 49 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day for lengths of treatment ranging from 1 to 164 weeks. The patient population was evenly distributed in gender, and approximately 95% of patients were Caucasian. The most common adverse reactions (≥4% of patients) were headache, rhinorrhea, pharyngolaryngeal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, and nasal congestion. The data described in Table 3 reflect exposure of 74 patients with PKU to sapropterin dihydrochloride at doses of 10 to 20 mg/kg per day for 6 to 10 weeks in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (Studies 2 and 4). Table 3 enumerates adverse reactions occurring in at least 4% of patients treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride in the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials described above. Table 3: Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥4% of Patients in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies with Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Me d DRA Preferred Term T re atment Sapropterin Dihydrochloride ( N=74) P lacebo ( N=59) No. Patients (%) No. Patients (%) Headache 11 (15) 8 (14) Rhinorrhea 8 (11) 0 Pharyngolaryngeal pain 7 (10) 1 (2) Diarrhea 6 (8) 3 (5) Vomiting 6 (8) 4 (7) Cough 5 (7) 3 (5) Nasal congestion 3 (4) 0 In open-label, uncontrolled clinical trials (Studies 1 and 3) all patients received sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses of 5 to 20 mg/kg per day, and adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those reported in the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . In Study 5, 65 pediatric patients with PKU aged 1 month to 6 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride 20 mg/kg per day for 6 months. Adverse reactions in these patients were similar in frequency and type as those seen in other sapropterin dihydrochloride clinical trials except for an increased incidence of low Phe levels. Twenty-five percent (16 out of 65) of patients developed Phe levels below normal for age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Pediatric Use (8.4) , and Clinical Studies (14) ] . In Study 6, a long term, open-label, extension study of 111 patients aged 4 to 50 years, receiving sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day, adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those reported in the previous clinical studies. Fifty-five patients received sapropterin dihydrochloride both as dissolved and intact tablets. There were no notable differences in the incidence or severity of adverse reactions between the two methods of administration. The mean (± SD) exposure to sapropterin for the entire study population was 659 ± 221 days (maximum 953 days). In Study 7, 27 pediatric patients with PKU aged 0 to 4 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride 10 mg/kg per day or 20 mg/kg per day. Adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those observed in other clinical trials, with the addition of rhinitis, which was reported in 2 subjects (7.4%). Safety Experience from Clinical Studies for Non-PKU Indications Approximately 800 healthy subjects and patients with disorders other than PKU, some of whom had underlying neurologic disorders or cardiovascular disease, have been administered a different formulation of the same active ingredient (sapropterin) in approximately 19 controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials. In these clinical trials, subjects were administered sapropterin at doses ranging from 1 to 100 mg/kg per day for lengths of exposure from 1 day to 2 years. Serious and severe adverse reactions (regardless of causality) during sapropterin administration were seizures, exacerbation of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] , dizziness, gastrointestinal bleeding, post-procedural bleeding, headache, irritability, myocardial infarction, overstimulation, and respiratory failure. Common adverse reactions were headache, peripheral edema, arthralgia, polyuria, agitation, dizziness, nausea, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, and upper respiratory tract infection. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of sapropterin dihydrochloride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and rash : Most hypersensitivity reactions occurred within several days of initiating treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Gastrointestinal reactions: esophagitis, gastritis, oropharyngeal pain, pharyngitis, esophageal pain, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Hyperactivity : Two cases have been reported. In one case, the patient received an accidental overdosage of sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Overdosage (10) ]. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. PKU Clinical Studies The safety of sapropterin dihydrochloride was evaluated in 7 clinical studies in patients with PKU (aged 1 month to 50 years) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . In Studies 1 to 4 (controlled and uncontrolled studies), 579 patients with PKU aged 4 to 49 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day for lengths of treatment ranging from 1 to 164 weeks. The patient population was evenly distributed in gender, and approximately 95% of patients were Caucasian. The most common adverse reactions (≥4% of patients) were headache, rhinorrhea, pharyngolaryngeal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, and nasal congestion. The data described in Table 3 reflect exposure of 74 patients with PKU to sapropterin dihydrochloride at doses of 10 to 20 mg/kg per day for 6 to 10 weeks in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (Studies 2 and 4). Table 3 enumerates adverse reactions occurring in at least 4% of patients treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride in the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials described above. Table 3: Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥4% of Patients in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies with Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Me d DRA Preferred Term T re atment Sapropterin Dihydrochloride ( N=74) P lacebo ( N=59) No. Patients (%) No. Patients (%) Headache 11 (15) 8 (14) Rhinorrhea 8 (11) 0 Pharyngolaryngeal pain 7 (10) 1 (2) Diarrhea 6 (8) 3 (5) Vomiting 6 (8) 4 (7) Cough 5 (7) 3 (5) Nasal congestion 3 (4) 0 In open-label, uncontrolled clinical trials (Studies 1 and 3) all patients received sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses of 5 to 20 mg/kg per day, and adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those reported in the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . In Study 5, 65 pediatric patients with PKU aged 1 month to
Mechanism of action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic form of BH4, the cofactor for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). PAH hydroxylates Phe through an oxidative reaction to form tyrosine. In patients with PKU, PAH activity is absent or deficient. Treatment with BH4 can activate residual PAH enzyme activity, improve the normal oxidative metabolism of Phe, and decrease Phe levels in some patients. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics In PKU patients who are responsive to BH4 treatment, blood Phe levels decrease within 24 hours after a single administration of sapropterin dihydrochloride, although maximal effect on Phe level may take up to a month, depending on the patient. A single daily dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride is adequate to maintain stable blood Phe levels over a 24-hour period. Twelve patients with blood Phe levels ranging from 516 to 986 µmol/L (mean 747 ± 153 µmol/L) were assessed with 24-hour blood Phe level monitoring following a daily morning dose of 10 mg/kg per day. The blood Phe level remained stable during a 24-hour observation period. No substantial increases in blood Phe levels were observed following food intake throughout the 24-hour period. Sapropterin dihydrochloride dose-response relationship was studied in an open-label, forced titration study at doses of 5 mg/kg per day, then 20 mg/kg per day, and then 10 mg/kg per day (Study 3) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Individual blood Phe levels were highly variable among patients. The mean blood Phe level observed at the end of each 2-week dosing period decreased as the dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride increased, demonstrating an inverse relationship between the dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride and mean blood Phe levels. Cardiac Electrophysiology A thorough QTc study was performed in 56 healthy adults. This randomized, placebo and active controlled crossover study was conducted to determine if a single supra-therapeutic (100 mg/kg) dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride or a single therapeutic dose (20 mg/kg) of sapropterin dihydrochloride had an effect on cardiac repolarization. In this study, sapropterin dihydrochloride was administered after dissolving tablets in water under fed condition. This study demonstrated a dose-dependent shortening of the QT interval. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change from baseline of the QTc interval was -3.69 and -8.32 ms (lower bound of 90% CI: -5.3 and -10.6 ms) at 20 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Studies in healthy subjects have shown comparable absorption of sapropterin when tablets are dissolved in water or orange juice and taken under fasted conditions. Administration of dissolved tablets after a high-fat/high-calorie meal resulted in mean increases in C max of 84% and AUC of 87% (dissolved in water). However, there was extensive variability in individual subject values for C max and AUC across the different modes of administration and meal conditions. In the clinical trials of sapropterin dihydrochloride, drug was administered in the morning as a dissolved tablet without regard to meals. The mean elimination half-life in PKU patients was approximately 6.7 hours (range 3.9 to 17 hours), comparable with values seen in healthy subjects (range 3.0 to 5.3 hours). A study in healthy adults with 10 mg/kg of sapropterin dihydrochloride demonstrated that the absorption via intact tablet administration was 40% greater than via dissolved tablet administration under fasted conditions based on AUC 0-t . The administration of intact tablets under fed conditions resulted in an approximately 43% increase in the extent of absorption compared to fasted conditions based on AUC 0-t [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Population pharmacokinetic analysis of sapropterin including patients from 1 month to 49 years of age showed that body weight is the only covariate substantially affecting clearance or distribution volume (see Table 5). Pharmacokinetics in patients >49 years of age have not been studied. Table 5. Apparent Plasma Clearance by Age Parameter 0 to <1 yr * (N=10) 1 to <6 yr * (N=57) 6 to <12 yr † (N=23) 12 to <18 yr † (N=24) ≥18 yr † (N=42) CL/F (L/hr/kg) Mean ± SD (Median) 81.5 ± 92.4 (53.6) 50.7 ± 20.1 (48.4) 51.7 ± 21.9 (47.4) 39.2 ± 9.3 (38.3) 37.9 ± 20.2 (31.8) * Evaluated at 20 mg/kg per day dose † Evaluated at 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg per day doses Metabolism Sapropterin is a synthetic form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and is expected to be metabolized and recycled by the same endogenous enzymes. In vivo endogenous BH4 is converted to quinoid dihydrobiopterin and is metabolized to dihydrobiopterin and biopterin. The enzymes dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteridine reductase are responsible for the metabolism and recycling of BH4. Drug Interaction Studies Clinical Studies In healthy subjects, administration of a single dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride at the maximum therapeutic dose of 20 mg/kg had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of digoxin (P-gp substrate) administered concomitantly. In Vitro Studies Where Drug Interaction Potential Was Not Further Evaluated Clinically The potential for sapropterin to induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes was evaluated in in vitro studies which showed sapropterin did not inhibit CYP 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4/5, nor induce CYP 1A2, 2B6, or 3A4/5. In vitro sapropterin did not inhibit OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1, and MATE2-K transporters. The potential for sapropterin to inhibit OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 has not been adequately studied. In vitro, sapropterin inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) but the potential for a clinically significant increase in systemic exposure of BCRP substrates by sapropterin dihydrochloride appears to be low.
NDC examples
59651-57443598-09749884-87352817-85052817-85131722-04731722-04849884-94873289-007073289-007142571-50942571-510
Indicated ICD-10 codes
Treats these conditions
Source: openFDA + RxNorm · 2026
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